I was assaulted while trying to break up a fight and had to receive medical attention. The police were called and my witnesses told the police they did not see who hit me, but I know who did (so I guess I had no witnesses on the report). Should I press charges and take the person to civil court to gain resititution for my medical bills (I have no health insurance atm) or would it just be easier to do nothing and pay the medical bills? Medical bills as in going to the ER, getting 6 staples in my head and a tetanus shot and having to go back to have them removed.
2007-01-03 03:41:55 · 12 answers · asked by RM 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
If I take him to court, there is a chance he could plea no contest and when I take him to civil court, it could be a bunch of this and that where I could be paying more for lawyer fees and maybe even lose the case...
2007-01-03 03:52:34 · update #1
you do nothing, you pay the bill and the person who hit you gets off scott free and may do it again. I would press charges. If the guy comes forward to pay medical bills then you can settle from there.
2007-01-03 03:44:27 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
YOU are a witness. Did you tell the police who hit you? I would press charges even though it will be easier to do nothing. You will also probably need to file in civil court if you want to get your medical bills paid. Once again, though...easier to do nothing.
2007-01-03 03:44:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was with my husband for 15 years (married 11yrs). There was a lot of fighting, and some times I lashed out in frustration too which I do regret. when our marriage was coming to an end my husband did the unthinkable and tied me to our bed as I slept. It took a while to just get my head around that and even though I was angry and hurt as a christian I tried to forgive and move on but 6 months later he created a situation where I had to address what happened with the police. The initial officer was great but the SVU basically said "why bother" I wasn't prepared to turn my life upside down going to court with that attitude from the start. You however have something on tape. I would at the very least consult with a lawyer and the police and ask them what you should do. Too many women live with this day in and day out because they didn't do something about it when it happened and some women don't live to talk about it at all. I have two young kids and so I have to deal with my ex for several years to come, but you don't have to deal with yours so make sure you take care of yourself first. All the best
2016-03-29 06:02:26 · answer #3 · answered by Cynthia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The least risky is to hit him for the medical bills in small claims court, while the scars are still visible... no atty involved, and only about a $20 filing fee (if that).
2007-01-03 04:18:16 · answer #4 · answered by Gunny T 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well with that story it is just your word against his. I would take him to civil court to press charges for the mdical bill but don't do anything about the assult. Taking him to court for the assault would waiste your time. Even though you might win it would not be much.
2007-01-03 03:48:21 · answer #5 · answered by adam 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you need to weigh the repercussions of what did happen adnd what could potentially happen in the future. What happened to you is already over, and you probbaly won't get a lot of restitution for your medical bills. However, do you feel that this person is dangerous, and could reasonably be expected to hurt someone else in the near future? I think the responsibility lies in trying to protect other people from this dangerous person, even if he/she just gets a small mark on their criminal record.
2007-01-03 03:45:46 · answer #6 · answered by Andy Jones 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let it go. The emotional investment in suing the person will be higher than your medical bills.
In the future, try to stay away from fights--I know, easier said than done........
2007-01-03 03:47:31 · answer #7 · answered by kathylouisehall 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Press charges and sue in small claims court.
2007-01-03 03:45:18 · answer #8 · answered by aiguyaiguy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there's a chance that the idiot who assaulted you will retaliate in some way, it's probably just easier to let it go. Only you can make that decision. Is it worth additional trouble?
2007-01-03 03:44:07 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
if they deny they assaulted u then you have wasted your time as well as court resources.
2007-01-03 03:54:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋